How To Propagate Rosemary From Cuttings

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. Its scientific name, Rosmarinus, is derived from the Latin words for "dew" and "sea," reflecting its natural habitat near the coast. Rosemary is a versatile herb that is widely used for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The leaves of the plant have a unique, pungent flavor that pairs well with meats, vegetables, and breads. Rosemary leaves contain a variety of compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable herb for both culinary and medicinal uses.

Propagating rosemary from cuttings is a relatively simple and fast way to multiply your rosemary plant and create new plants. Here is a basic guide on how to propagate rosemary from cuttings:

Choose healthy, non-flowering stem tips from an established rosemary plant. They should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves.
Cut the stem tips just below a leaf node (the point where the leaves meet the stem) using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder, which can be found at most garden centers or online. This will help to encourage root growth.
Plant the cuttings in a container filled with a mixture of equal parts peat moss and coarse sand or perlite. Keep the container in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cover the container with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect. This will help to keep the humidity and temperature high, which will encourage root growth.
Check the cuttings regularly for roots, which should appear in 2-4 weeks. Once roots have formed, you can remove the plastic cover and gradually acclimatize the new plants to their final location.
Water your new rosemary plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. When the new rosemary plants have been established, you can transplant them to a larger container or in the garden.